Learn more about the History of the Law School

History of the Law School

Law School classes were first held in Judge Reed’s House and then were moved to Emory Chapel between 1890 and 1917, and eventually in Trickett Hall. Trickett Hall received its name from William Trickett who, in 1875, was educated at Dickinson and later became a lawyer and appointed the Dean of the Law School. The Law classes that were offered at the turn of the century were extensive. The instruction for first year law students or junior year Dickinson students were: real estate, contracts, criminal law, torts, practice evidence, history of common law, domestic relations, corporations. Courses offered for second year law students and senior year Dickinson students were: equity, partnership, practice, decedent’s estates, wills, commercial law, constitutional law, international law, patents, medical jurisprudence, and parliamentary law.

Relationship with Dickinson College

The law students profited from the many benefits that Dickinson offered them. Law students were permitted to stay in Dickinson College dorms, have use of the library and participate in extracurricular actives, such as take part in Greek life and athletic sports, for only a small fee. In return, Dickinson students were allowed to take courses at the Law School in their junior or senior year. This allowed students to obtain a law degree in half the time, and also obtain a degree from Dickinson College. Although Dickinson students did not gain much from this relationship, it was advantageous to the Law School and their students.

There had been talk about uniting the Law School with Dickinson College; however, nothing was ever made official. The Law School and Dickinson College were constantly in communication and the College helped to fund and establish the Law School in the early years of its creation. There is no doubt that the two schools worked in coordination, especially since juniors and seniors at Dickinson College were allowed to take law electives. There was no examination required to enter into the Law School, unless the student was seen as unqualified. Many students who graduated from or attended Dickinson College were entered and were accepted into the Law Program.

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